Vipul Shah, the producer-director of blockbuster films like Aankhen and Waqt—a race against time. He is now shooting for Namaste London with Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif and Rishi Kapoor.

SantaBanta.com caught up with him and found him in an expansive mood. In between, there was a slight interruption from Akshay, the hero of the film, who wanted to consult with his director but that only added flavour to the interview with the director who takes success quite easily in his stride.

Shefali, your wife had a meaty role in Waqt. How do you rate her as an actress?
Shefali is simply one of the best actresses in the country. She has proved herself time and again in whichever role she has performed. No matter how small the role is, she always surpasses herself. And this analysis really has nothing to do with her relationship with me.

What do you feel about the recent trend of ‘remakes' that prominent directors are indulging into? Is there any film that you would like to remake?
Well, personally, I would not want to do a remake. I wouldn't want to live in anyone's shadow. But I'm not making any judgments about this. Every individual has the right of choice.

The only thing that I do want to say is that if I see a movie that is a remake of an older movie, then I would see it with a fresh perspective—as a new film—and not compare it with the older one. We have to watch out for the old vs new phenomenon

What would that phenomenon be?
Oh, the habit Indians have of praising everything that is old. Whether it's actors or music or singers, for Indians, if it is old, it's great and there is nothing that the younger generation can do that compares favourably to it.

I want to ask these people, where was Lagaan or Dil Chahta Hai or Aankhen in the good old days? Why criticise a generation for what they are?

You've experimented with quite a few genres of films. Aankhen was an action film, Waqt was a family drama and Namaste London is a love story. What is your favourite genre?
Yes, I've been experimenting with different genres. I don't know what I am going to do next but it's certainly not going to be an adventure film or a love story or a family drama. It will be something different. I'm not going to repeat myself! There are many genres yet to be explored in Hindi films.

Amitabh Bachchan takes great exception to the term "Bollywood". What do you say?
I absolutely agree with him. It's the Indian film industry and can be called either ‘Hindi cinema' or ‘Indian cinema'. Certainly not "Bollywood".

Are there films that make you say, "I wish I had made that"?
O yes! There are so many of them, which I wish were mine- Guide, Sholay, Do bigha Zameen. And millions of Hollywood films. But if I had to choose one Hollywood film it would be ‘Schinler's List'.

You are the writer, producer and director of your films. Comment on the three roles.
They are three completely different roles. The writer is an isolated being who visualizes the whole story. The director executes the vision to the best of his abilities. In fact, the director is the captain of the ship. Amongst other things the captain has to be a planner and a personnel manager.

How is it when the film is set to be released? Does it entail lots of nail biting?
Well, actually I do my best during the directing and the production of the film. So, I am calm during the time of release.

I believe that if you've done your utmost, then you don't have much to worry about, no matter how the film fares at the Box Office. It makes no sense to start praying at the last moment either. God is not responsible for redeeming you for your laziness.

If I haven't given my best to a project and it is still successful, I don't think I would feel a hundred percent happy!

Which are the stars you like to work with?
Amit ji, Akshay, Rani, Katrina, Priety and of course, Priyanka. I like them because not only are they fine actors but also good human beings.

Amitabh Bachchan has worked in both your previous films. How come you chose Rishi Kapoor this time?
To tell you the truth, whenever I write a story, I always write a role with Amitji in my mind. But this time I needed an actor who was not so overpowering or patriarchal and whose presence is not so huge. This role is about a father who is younger and it suited Rishi to a T.